Net Worth Ranker
What Is Nicko McBrain’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Nicko McBrain, the long-time drummer for the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has an estimated net worth of $40 million. This figure positions him among the wealthiest drummers in the world, a testament to his successful career spanning several decades.
Sources of Nicko McBrain’s $40 Million Net Worth
Nicko McBrain’s wealth primarily stems from his contributions to Iron Maiden, one of the most influential and commercially successful bands in heavy metal history. His journey to financial success has been multifaceted, encompassing several key areas:
Iron Maiden Earnings: McBrain joined Iron Maiden in 1982, replacing Clive Burr, and has been a driving force behind the band’s rhythmic backbone ever since. His drumming prowess has been integral to the band’s numerous hit albums and singles.
Album Sales: Iron Maiden’s album sales have significantly contributed to Nicko’s net worth. The band’s albums, such as “Piece of Mind” (1983), “Somewhere in Time” (1986), “Fear of the Dark” (1992), “Brave New World” (2000), “The Final Frontier” (2010), and “Senjutsu” (2021), have sold millions of copies worldwide. For example, “Piece of Mind” achieved 2x Platinum certification in Canada and Platinum in the U.S. and UK, indicating substantial sales figures. “Somewhere in Time” also went 2x Platinum in both the US and Canada. While specific individual earnings from these sales are not publicly disclosed, it’s clear that royalties from these albums have contributed substantially to McBrain’s wealth.
Concert Tours: Iron Maiden is renowned for its extensive and high-grossing world tours. Since joining the band in 1982, Nicko has participated in numerous tours, each contributing significantly to his income. While exact figures for each tour are not available, these tours generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and other ancillary streams. For instance, the “Maiden England World Tour” (2012-2014) grossed over $75 million, and the “Book of Souls World Tour” (2016-2017) generated even higher revenues. Nicko, as a key member, would have received a significant portion of these earnings.
Songwriting Royalties: Although Nicko has only one songwriting credit for Iron Maiden (“New Frontier” on the “Dance of Death” album), songwriting royalties contribute to his income. While “New Frontier” may not be as commercially successful as some of Iron Maiden’s other hits, it still generates revenue through album sales, streaming, and performance royalties.
Instructional Videos and Books: In 1991, Nicko released an instructional drum video titled “Rhythms of the Beast.” Additionally, he co-authored the book “Iron Maiden & Nicko McBrain’s Rhythms of the Beast” in 1990. These ventures, while smaller compared to album sales and touring revenue, provide additional income streams for McBrain.
Business Ventures: Nicko McBrain has also diversified his income streams through various business ventures. In 2009, he opened the Rock ‘N’ Roll Ribs restaurant in Coral Springs, Florida. Although the restaurant’s financial performance is not publicly detailed, its recognition as having the “Best Ribs of 2012” by “New Times Broward-Palm Beach” suggests it was a successful venture. In 2018, he opened the Drum One musical instrument store in Manchester, England, expanding his entrepreneurial portfolio.
Nicko McBrain’s Career Highlights and Financial Impact
Nicko McBrain’s career is marked by significant milestones, each impacting his financial standing:
Early Career and Session Work: Before joining Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain honed his skills playing with various bands and as a session musician. He performed with rock acts such as The Streetwalkers, Pat Travers, and Trust. In 1973, he played on the Cockerel Chorus single “Nice One Cyril” and guitarist Gordon Giltrap’s self-titled album. While these early gigs provided initial income and experience, they were not as financially lucrative as his later work with Iron Maiden.
Joining Iron Maiden (1982): Joining Iron Maiden in 1982 was a pivotal moment in McBrain’s career and a major catalyst for his financial success. He debuted with the band on the “Piece of Mind” album in 1983, which was a commercial success, setting the stage for decades of successful albums and tours.
Key Albums and Tours: McBrain’s career with Iron Maiden has seen numerous commercially successful albums and tours. The release of albums like “Powerslave” (1984), “Somewhere in Time” (1986), and “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” (1988) solidified Iron Maiden’s status as a top-tier heavy metal band and contributed significantly to McBrain’s earnings. The band’s tours, including the “World Slavery Tour” (1984-1985) and later tours like the “Ed Hunter Tour” (1999), further enhanced their financial success.
“New Frontier” Songwriting Credit (2003): McBrain’s songwriting credit for “New Frontier” on the “Dance of Death” album added to his royalties, albeit to a lesser extent than his drumming contributions. While specific figures are not available, songwriting credits provide long-term revenue streams.
Side Projects: Nicko has also been involved in side projects such as McBrain Damage, a band that performed Iron Maiden covers. These projects provide additional income, although they are relatively small compared to his earnings with Iron Maiden.
Nicko McBrain’s Personal Life and Investments
While specific details about Nicko McBrain’s personal investments are not publicly available, certain aspects of his personal life provide additional insights:
Real Estate: In 1989, McBrain purchased a 3,844 square foot, four-bedroom home in Boca Raton, Florida, for $244,900. Real estate investments can contribute to overall net worth, and this property likely appreciated in value over the years. The exact current market value is unknown, but similar properties in Boca Raton could be worth significantly more today.
Personal Interests: Nicko is a fan of golf and snooker and holds a pilot’s license. While these hobbies do not directly generate income, they reflect his lifestyle and disposable income.
Health: In 2020, McBrain was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and underwent surgery. While the cost of medical treatment can be substantial, it’s crucial to his overall well-being. His proactive approach to addressing his health concerns highlights his commitment to preserving his quality of life.
Musical instrument store: Nicko opened a drum store in Manchester, England called Drum One in 2018
